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S 2570

An Act relative to the Ware River watershed advisory committee

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 2 co-sponsors

S 2570 - An Act relative to the Ware River watershed advisory committee OverviewBill Number: S 2570 Title: An Act relative to the Ware River watershed advisory committeeStatus: Bi

Read second, ordered to a third reading, read third (title changed) and passed to be engrossed
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Bill Summary · S 2570

S 2570 - An Act relative to the Ware River watershed advisory committee

Overview

Bill Number: S 2570
Title: An Act relative to the Ware River watershed advisory committee
Status: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Rules
Introduced: August 11, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this bill is to establish a permanent Ware River watershed advisory committee to provide recommendations and oversight for the management and protection of the Ware River watershed. The Ware River is a critical water supply source for several municipalities in central Massachusetts, and this committee would help ensure its long-term sustainability and environmental health.

Key Provisions

  • Creates a 15-member Ware River watershed advisory committee, with representatives from state agencies, local governments, environmental groups, and the general public
  • Requires the committee to meet at least quarterly to discuss issues related to the watershed, including water quality, land use, wildlife habitat, and recreational access
  • Empowers the committee to make recommendations to state and local officials on policies, regulations, and management practices to protect the watershed
  • Mandates that the committee produce and publish annual reports on the state of the Ware River watershed
  • Appropriates $500,000 annually to fund the committee's operations and initiatives

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary parties affected by this bill are:
- State and local government agencies responsible for managing water resources and land use in the Ware River watershed
- Environmental organizations and community groups with an interest in protecting the watershed
- Residents and businesses in the municipalities that rely on the Ware River as a water supply source

The bill is expected to have a positive impact by improving coordination, transparency, and accountability in the management of the Ware River watershed. It will also provide a formal mechanism for public input and community engagement on watershed issues.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

S 2570 has been reported favorably by the relevant committee and has been referred to the Senate Rules committee for further consideration. If it passes the Senate, it will then need to be taken up by the House of Representatives before being sent to the governor for signature. The bill has bipartisan support and is expected to advance through the legislative process in the coming months.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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